Lyda "Punky" Nelson

Lyda (Punky) Gayle Nelson, 74, of West Fargo, ND passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at her home under the care Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Punky, daughter of Lloyd and Jenness Kragnes, was born on October 23, 1947, in Fargo, ND. She grew up in rural Argusville and graduated from Argusville High School in 1965.

Punky married Larry Nelson on June 3, 1966, and had just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They lived in Hunter until moving into West Fargo in 2005. Punky worked in the office of Hunter Grain and Security State Bank in Hunter until opening her own businesses in 1987, which included the Sun and Body Boutique in Mayville, Nelson Food Mart in Hunter, Fargo Line-X, and the Hidden Pine Stables in Hunter. Beginning in 2000, Larry and Punky spent their winters in Tucson, AZ, traveling back and forth in their motor home.

She volunteered for Sundance which was a therapeutic horse therapy for individuals with special needs. Punky loved to cook and catered many of the John Deere functions for Hunter Equipment.

Punky is preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter LyNette, siblings:  Gordon Kragnes, Bertha (Wayne) Hamilton, and Janet Sjothun.

Punky is survived by her husband: Larry, children:  Lori Marvel (Bart), Lonnie Nelson (Cher), Lance Nelson (Stephanie), grandchildren Lexi (Noah) King, Cole (Destiny) Marvel, Hannah Nelson (fiancée, Landon Mund), Logan Nelson, Nick Nelson, Bailey Nelson, Morgan Nelson; great-grandchildren: LyNette and Loy King; sister:  Joan Chose (Myrvin) and many nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by her family.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church in Hunter and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation:  5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, followed by a 7 p.m.  Prayer Service at the West Funeral Home in West Fargo.

Memorial Service:  10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, at West Funeral Home in West Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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